dogs on leads

[fruitsalad]

I realise people like to let their dogs run free, but I sometimes wonder if when they let their dog run up to other dogs they stop to think whether or not the other dog is friendly we have 2 jack russells which really dont like other dogs so they are always kept on a lead very close by, but it really annoys me when people assume they will be friendly to their dog, when they let it come bounding over, I spend most of my time when we are on walks saying to people dont let your dog come close because they are not very friendly to other dogs and is very likely to go for him/her which has happened in the past, and the other dog im afraid to say came off worse because of it.

[chaptazbru]

I am always courteous. If I see other dogs coming towards me on their leads, I always put mine back on his and then say a friendly 'hello' to the owners as I walk past and more often than not we stop for a chat about our dogs. Sadly, I know not everybody does this and as you have pointed out, it causes problems. Some folk just don't think!

[ladybirder]

I would wager a guess that if your dogs were let off the lead and allowed to mix freely with other dogs there probably wouldn't be a problem. Your dogs probably feel at a disadvantage being constrained by the lead and will be picking up on your anxiety. If they are not allowed to mix freely then they will never get used to other dogs and you will always have this problem. I'm sure this is not what you wanted to hear but that's my opinion.

[rockyracoon]

Fruitsalad I have exactly the same problem, my dog is half Japanese Akita so has an inbuilt hatred of all things fluffly with 4 legs. People can't accept the fact that dogs are dogs, some are friendly some are not. Ladybirder, the problem with that is, what poor dogs do you test it on, I know my dog and he will attack, he was well socialised as a pup but turned when he got to about 7 months, all the ballsy adolescent came out and didn't go back.

[fruitsalad]

mostly people are courteous as you are chap, but on one particular walk a woman was walking toward us with a dog on a lead one of those extendable leads so we put our dogs on the shortest lead possible and shouted to her as I always do if it looks as though the dogs going to get a bit close, but she took no notice and still let her dog come up close, next minute one of the jack russells jumped at the other dogs jaw and was hanging there while my husband had to prize them apart husband came off worse that time.

[chaptazbru]

I just don't understand this, not only should people do the courteous thing, but I wouldn't take chances with my dog by letting him go right up to strange dogs that are on the lead! As I said, always better to talk to people whilst keeping the dogs apart. It's a shame that you always have to be on your guard on walks. Some people may suggest a muzzle, but I'm not a fan.

[Frank97]

I used to have this problem all the time when I owned a Pitbull Terrier, I would have him in control on a lead yet other less responsible owners would just let their fluffy little things come running up to him with no idea of what they were letting themselves in for. It really used to p me off as I was doing everything to stop the inevitable as I new what would happen to any other dog that came within biting distance. This was all before the dangerous dogs act came about I may add!

[woofgang]

I do understand. My dogs are not bad with other dogs but they are big and clumsy. I run them very early in the morning when there is no one else about so we don't meet numpties.

[jules77]

Unfortunately mine was got at whilst on the lead, and now is very wary of strange dogs. So much so I cant loose her off anymore after she bolted home once, unless it is in an enclosed area where I know no other dogs are going to be.

[LoftyLottie]

I agree with you fruit salad. My dog just isn't interested in other dogs in the slightest. She doesn't take any notice of them, but when one comes bounding up to her it makes her nervous (she was attacked once) and she warns them off with a growl and a snarl, which then often turns the other dog quite nasty.

I don't have my dog off the lead if we there are a lot of people about with children or dogs, but she runs free on the fields the beach. I agree dogs can be more agressive if they are on leads, but I still find it courteous to keep my dog on a lead close at my side when passing people with dogs or cildren.

[ladybirder]

Well I would suggest you all take your dogs to a good animal behaviourist. The problem is most usually the owner and not the dog. Ooh you are loving me I bet:-) I'm looking after a dog (JR) at the moment whose owners told me he wasn't safe with other dogs. They always kept him on a short lead and he would lunge at any dog that came near him. Well he doesn't do it now and in fact it took me about a week to break the habit. He's not a sociable dog with other canines and doesn't do play with them but he happily tolerates them and occasionally drops his ball long enough to sniff them and let them sniff him back. Such a shame to see dogs that can't run free, especially JRs as I love them and have had several in my long life. Try watching some Victoria Stilwell training programmes, she's brilliant. Of course there will always be the odd one that will never mix but too many are kept on a lead by a frightened owner that with a bit of training would have a much better quality of life. I'll duck now.

[Frank97]

I totally agree Ladybirder, unfortunately the law took over in my case, plus he died 14 years ago so a bit late to do anything about it now. My currant hound is completely different and loves everything.

[fruitsalad]

Yes ladybirder sounds good in theory but it could be easier said than done like rockyracoon says which poor dog do you test it out on??

[chaptazbru]

I hope you're not including me in that sweeping generalisation ladybirder?? My dog is a friendly boy and loves everybody !

[kawakiri]

I have the smame problem with my two Mini Schnauzers. I do let them offf he lead, the older one is completely disinterested in other dogs and will stand still if most other dogs come anywhere near there are some she will tolerate. However the younger one certainly dislikes some dogs and they can be of varying sizes.
They were both off the lead when I noticed a young Boxer off the lead so i put the leads back on and changed our route on the field to try and avoid the boxer however it noticed us and started to come over, I shouted to ask the owner to call it back to no avail. As usual the older one of my dogs wouldn't move and the younger one went defensive unfortunately a young boxer was too much for both of my Schnauzers who were bothbowled over. Then to cap it all the owner of the Boxer said I couldn't control my dogs and when I tried to argue the case she said I probably hit my dogs and that's why they reacted like they did, and not being happy with this she the made verbal attacks on my perfomance inth e bedroom! The mind boggles.

[bednobs]

crumbs, you don't live in my village do you? someone in my family had an arguement this weekend about this very subject whilst out on a walk. We were the ones with the dogs off the lead. Shouldn't your dog be muzzled if they are in danger of attacking things that come near them?

[ladybirder]

FS you train the dog first while it's on the lead. As I said watch Victoria Stilwell if you get a chance. Her programmes still often pop up on TV. The owners are left open-mouthed; they can't believe it's their dog. Of course she makes it look easy but it's hard work and needs perseverance. With you having two, as they will feed off each other, I would suggest separating them during training and doing one at a time with perhaps your husband taking one and you the other. Honestly if you could get them out of this habit it would make walks so much more enjoyable for you all.

[bednobs]

ps, even though our dogs were off the lead, they all have excellent recall, so i would class them as "under control"

[Traci66]

I used to have a daschund who on the lead was vicious with other dogs and off the lead would just play. I know have a bulldog and it annoys me when people see us coming, even though he is on a lead they will cross over to get away from him, he is two years old and has never tried to attack anyone or anything, I do not let him off the lead if there are other people or dogs about though.

[ladybirder]

Tsk! Other flippin' people!